East Hartford Man To Be Charged In Fatal Shooting

HARTFORD — Police said Wednesday they have obtained an arrest warrant for a 31-year-old man who was once given immunity to testify against a Hartford officer charging him with murder in connection with a fatal shooting this summer.

Police obtained the warrant last week charging Brandon Henry of East Hartford with felony murder, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a firearm, said Deputy Chief Brian Foley.

Henry, who is currently incarcerated on unrelated charges, is expected to be served with the new warrant at a court appearance on Friday, Foley said.

The charges stem from the fatal shooting of Deon Palmer on Aug. 12, Foley said. Police responded to 363 Sigourney St. after 911 callers reported hearing gunshots just before 11:30 p.m. The officers found Palmer lying face down on the ground with gunshot wounds to his leg and chest.

Palmer was taken to Saint Francis Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:36 a.m. after undergoing emergency surgery, Foley said.

Henry was previously charged with first-degree assault, criminal use of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a permit for a shooting March 26 at 30 Hughes St. Police say Henry shot Michael Smith, 48. A witness later identified Henry as the shooter, police said.

Henry and his friend, Jashon Bryant, were shot by former Hartford police Officer Robert Lawlor in 2005, and Henry later testified at Lawlor's trial on assault and manslaughter charges. Prosecutors gave Henry immunity in exchange for his testimony.